Traverse City Is Now an Official Metropolitan Statistical Area
In 2025, Traverse City was officially designated by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget as a Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) for the first time in its history. This new designation — covering Grand Traverse, Benzie, Kalkaska, and Leelanau counties — reflects significant growth in population, workforce and economic ties across the region. The MSA status enables the area to receive more detailed federal economic data and can help attract further business, infrastructure investment, and workforce development opportunities. Michigan
Why It Matters
- It signals the region’s economic and demographic growth in the post-pandemic 2020s. Michigan
- The Traverse City MSA achieved its highest workforce and payroll jobs levels ever recorded in 2024, with unemployment stabilizing near pre-pandemic lows. Michigan
- This change gives planners, businesses, and policymakers stronger data and planning tools for future development. Michigan
